Galwayman wins Phoenix Park marathon

On his first return to competitive racing after some months out of action, Galwayman Mike O'Connor stormed to victory in the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Dublin Half-Marathon in the Phoenix Park.

The 2007 Irish National Marathon Champion took a clear lead from around the third or fourth mile, and winning time of 1:07:58 was 1:10 clear of second placed Sandis Bratilis, of West Waterford running club.

Third home was race series regular Sergie Turea, originally from Moldova, but racing for Clonliffe Harriers.

A record field of 4,500 took part in today's race in scorching sunshine, including Tyrone legend Peter Canavan, alongside his brother and a number of clubmates.

The two-time All-Ireland winner came over the line in 2:04.

There was a huge cheer for Irish Olympian hero Pauline Curley, who started the race, before joining in the field.

She came home third, losing out as in the Mini-Marathon and the Lifestyle Sports-adidas Five Mile to Raheny Shamrock's Annette Kealy.